HIGHLIGHTS

Utah State is well known for many of its undergraduate degrees and among these is the landscape architecture program. Danny White is a recent graduate of this program who has begun to make his mark on the field of landscape design. This year the Utah Chapter of the American Planning Association recognized Danny's thesis with an Outstanding Achievement Award.

Danny White graduated from Utah State in 2009 with his bachelor's in Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning. "I came across an article in a Landscape Architecture magazine that featured Utah State's landscape architecture and environmental planning program. It was at that moment that I decided that this was the program for me because it combined the two things I was most interested in, environmental planning and design," Danny explained. The Landscape Architecture program provided Danny with not only a great education, but also a wealth of knowledge from a variety of faculty members. "Mike Timmons was the first faculty member I met in the department," stated Danny, "[he] not only made me feel welcome but also provided a tremendous amount of support that continues to this day." The warm environment and accommodating faculty members was a great asset to White who moved from Florida to attend USU. Danny was also a member of the ASLA (American Society of Landscape Architects), while attending Utah State.

His decision to pursue the USU Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning revolved around the department's goal to provide a broad-based education with specific courses focus on the development of artistic expression and creative problem-solving. Danny said the program fit his interests in environmental planning but added the creativity of design. After completing his Bachelor's Danny chose to add to his degree with a Master's from Utah State as well. Through his graduate degree, Danny was able to combine his interest in landscape architecture with the College of Natural Resources program in Bioregional Planning. A graduate education in bioregional planning prepares students for work within a trans-disciplinary environment providing better alternatives for environmental decisions, policy and implementation. The program is jointly administered by the departments of Environment and Society and Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning.

It was his work on his Master's thesis that earned him the award from the Utah Chapter of the American Planning Association. His thesis focused on modeling the future growth and development of the Great Salt Lake Watershed and determining how that would impact the wetlands of the Great Salt Lake. "During my time as a graduate student at Utah State, I learned a great deal about the significance of the Great Salt Lake and its surrounding wetlands to the inhabitants of the region as well as the threats that they will likely face in the future." White discussed, "It was through this understanding that I received inspiration for my thesis." With his thesis and work at USU, Danny was able to contribute to the planning and potential of his local environment.

Currently Danny is using his degrees to launch a new business Envirocentric Design, which focuses on environmental consulting and sustainable landscape planning. "This of course has not been easy," Danny admits, "but I have been able to fall back on the diverse training I received from Utah State to help me succeed, and now my business is thriving." He attributes his success to a comprehensive education as well as the support he received form faculty and colleagues. His advice to others is to "surround yourself with people who have qualities that you aspire to obtain yourself and who are willing to push and support you throughout your academic and professional career."

Danny took his own advice and has benefited greatly from his many associations within and out the University. His last bit of advice for his fellow Aggies, "Never become complacent with the knowledge or abilities you have, and always strive to know and do greater things."

Willie Duersch is proud to be an Aggie. He credits Dave and Barbara Kragthorpe for rekindling the Aggie flame in him and said that the couple truly exemplifies what it means to be an Aggie.

The time he spent at USU still impacts Willie. He met his wife, Vicki, while attending Utah State and he also met some of his closest friends as a member of USU's football team. His football coach, Tony Knap, was a guiding force in the direction Willie's life took.

After leaving USU, Willie worked for 18 years in the retail business including owning a Montgomery Ward store in Roy, Utah. Willie then moved on to become a manager of Treasure Valley Bumper for Ogden Chrome Plating in Boise, Idaho, for 20 years.

It was during his time in Boise that Willie was asked to serve as vice president for the USU Treasure Valley alumni chapter. While in that capacity, Willie organized many events to raise money for scholarships for USU students from the Boise area and started a golf tournament that ran successfully for 18 years. Willie was asked to plan a golf tournament for the USU Weber County chapter after moving back to Ogden, Utah...a tournament that continues to this day.

In 2009, Willie was asked to help organize the USU Coaches Football Golf Tournament that raises funds for the USU Athletic Scholarship Fund.

Willie and his wife, Vicki, are retired and now enjoy relaxing, traveling, swimming and playing golf. The couple has two grown daughters, Erika and Emily.

"Willie has been an incredible supporter of Alumni Relations and Athletics for many years," said Patty Halaufia, USU's executive director of Alumni Relations. "He has spent hours of his time organizing events and promoting USU. I can think of few others who have given so much of their time, energy and enthusiasm to Utah State University."

Justin R. Hamilton hails from southeastern Idaho, and his Aggie pride has been with him since he first set foot on the Utah State University campus. After graduating from high school, he came to USU on a Presidential Leadership Scholarship.
Justin is proud to be an Aggie and during his time as a student was always looking for opportunities to be involved on campus. Justin was active in many student leadership positions in the Student Alumni Association, President's Leadership Council and ASUSU. He was also member of the Sigma Chi fraternity.

Justin's extracurricular activities did not get in the way of his success at school where he made the Dean's List every term. He also received the university's prestigious Bill Robins Memorial Award in 2003. Justin graduated from USU in 2009 with a degree in economics and political science.

Despite his busy schedule with studies and volunteer work, Justin opened Cafe Sabor, a Mexican bistro, located at the old train station on Center Street in Logan. He began the venture after his junior year at USU and found much success in the restaurant business thanks to the network Utah State provided him. In 2004, Justin opened another popular restaurant in Cache Valley, Hamilton's Steak and Seafood.

Being involved in Cache Valley and Utah State has continued to be a high priority for Justin. He continues to be supportive of Utah State and always looks for ways to give back to the university that has provided him opportunities for success.

"I don't think I have ever seen anyone who can multi-task as well as Justin," said Patty Halaufia, executive director of the USU Alumni Association. "He managed to serve as president of the University Ambassadors, serve as an executive board member for the Student Alumni Association, chair the Sigma Chi Derby Days philanthropy week and open his first restaurant, all at the same time."

Patty said that Justin continues his support of the university by donating not only his time, but his resources by supporting scholarships for students attending USU.

Al Lewis has loved sports since his youth. Known today as the "Voice of the Aggies" for KVNU Radio, Al grew up near Utah State University and attended elementary at the Edith Bowen Laboratory School. Throughout his childhood, Al not only was a regular attender of the Aggie football and basketball games, but was also a regular spectator at the team's practices. Al kept a close eye on all things Aggie and followed the various team members, statistics and schedules, as well as collected Aggie pictures, autographs and game programs.

Al's dream to become a radio announcer began at a young age listening to family friend, Karl Klages, announce the Utah State games in the 1950s and '60s. While attending high school in Las Vegas, Nevada, he began his career in the broadcasting business. After returning to Logan in 1972 to attend Utah State, Al was hired by KVNU Radio. Nearly 40 years later, Al is still with the radio station.

Throughout his broadcast career with KVNU, Al has served in many capacities. His first broadcasts of Utah State football and basketball games were with Craig Hislop in 1973. In 1977, he became the Voice of the Aggies, a position he would hold for two seasons. In the 1980s, Al was involved with cable television tape-delayed Aggie broadcasts, worked on the Chuck Shelton television show and became the public address announcer for games at both Romney Stadium and the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum. Al returned to announcing the play-by-play for the Aggies in the mid-1990s, a role he has continued for the past 17 years.

Al graduated from USU in 1975 with a degree in broadcast journalism. He married fellow Aggie, Teresa Brown, and the couple has two grown children. Al has resided near the USU campus since attending Utah State and he and his family enjoy participating and supporting the Aggies year after year.

"Al is not only the Voice of the Aggies, but the memory of the Aggies," said Patty Halaufia, USU's executive director of the Alumni Association. "Al has a better institutional memory than just about any other living Aggie when it comes to Aggie athletics. When Al talks about the Aggies, people listen."

Shelly Anderson Neilson was born and raised in Logan, Utah, and has attended Aggie basketball and football games with her family since she was a youngster. It was during this time that Shelly fell in love with Utah State University.

After serving as student body president at Logan High School, Shelly began her education at USU, where she was the recipient of a President's Leadership Council scholarship.

During her years as a USU student, Shelly enjoyed giving campus tours, recruiting at high schools and spreading the "True Aggie" spirit. She also found time to volunteer in the Val R. Christensen Service Center, as the Homecoming and A-Day chair and was active in the Student Alumni Association. During her junior year, Shelly served as the second female student body president at Utah State. Shelly went on a student exchange trip to Australia during her senior year.

After graduating from USU in 2001 with a degree in human resource management, Shelly became active in the USU Alumni Association. She has served in many capacities and helped with alumni events while living in Washington, D.C., attended USU open houses in her area and served as the Utah County alumni chapter president.

Shelly was married to Reid Neilson in 2002 and the couple are the parents of three children: Johnny, Kate and Ally. They now live in Bountiful, Utah, and enjoy traveling, snow skiing and all things Utah State.

Shelly is an entrepreneur and is the owner of Say Anything Expressions, a vinyl home decor company. She also participates in the USU Davis County Alumni Chapter.

"Shelly was a whirlwind that hit USU the moment she stepped on campus," said Patty Halaufia, executive director of USU Alumni Relations. "Within weeks of her arrival on campus, she was known by most everyone. She threw herself into becoming the best Aggie she could be."

LOGAN - Former KSL broadcaster and Utah State University alum Amanda Butterfield will be on-campus to speak to USU students, alumni and members of the community in a reunion and networking event Wednesday, Nov. 30 at 6 p.m. at the Taggart Student Center Auditorium.

Butterfield will be speaking about some of her most memorable experiences as a broadcaster for KSL as well as providing advice on being flexible in the media world, particularly her adjustment in jumping from a reporter to the other side in public relations. Butterfield will also be speaking about what it is like to put on the entrepreneurial hat, as she is one of the pioneers of Method Communications in Salt Lake City. Despite being in its infancy, Method Communications represents clients such as Vivant, MindShare, Peterson Partners and Orabrush and is Utah's fastest-growing public relations firm.

"This will be fun to talk about my new experiences with public relations," Butterfield said. "It's always my pleasure to be able to come back to Utah State University, where I can thank them for giving me so many tremendous experiences."
Butterfield's address will be followed by a networking event in which Utah State University communications students and members of the community may interact with other USU communications alumni who will be at stations to speak about their careers and what opportunities might be open within their workplace.
Butterfield, also a former USU women's soccer starter, graduated from the USU journalism and communication department in 2001. She began her first professional TV news job as the evening weather anchor at KTVZ News in Bend, Ore., before joining KSL in 2004.

Method Communications (www.methodcommunications.com) is a boutique strategic communications firm that provides sophisticated PR, integrated marketing and social media services to some of the most dynamic and accomplished organizations in the life sciences, technology, real estate, venture capital and education and philanthropy markets. Method's rigorous expertise, strategy and execution consistently ensure positive and accurate stories for its clients in the world's most coveted media outlets. The team is composed of classically trained PR professionals, former journalists, bloggers, political strategists, professional writers and marketing communications experts.

The USU Communicators Guild is an alumni-student network aimed to stregthen the ties between the vast array of communicators at Utah State University. The network enables USU students to learn about available employment within the communication fields and connect before graduation with those who are succeeding in these fields.

Out with the old and in with the new. Utah State University Alumni Association has made a switch from using the online community inCircle to using Harris Connect's Online Directory as a way to help USU Alumni stay connected with the university and with each other. The Online Directory allows users to search for classmates, update their profile and their information with USU, stay up-to-date with upcoming Utah State events, and register for events easily with autofill registration options.

For more information on joining the Harris Online Directory click here.

The holiday season is nearly here! Add a personal touch to your correspondence this year. Send out your holiday wishes your way with one of the USU Alumni Print Store's customizable holiday cards, party invitations, thank you notes, and return address labels. A portion of your purchase will go to supporting the USU Alumni Association.

You can save $200 and recieve your exclusive upgrade-to-life gift and personalized brick in the David B. Haight Alumni House courtyard. Beginning January 1, 2012 Lifetime dues will increase to $700 for Single and $900 for Joint. Now is the time to upgrade and take advantage of the current membership rate.

Utah State Open Houses & Receptions provides an opportunity for prospective students to meet with USU representatives. Students should apply online for admission before coming, they should bring their official transcript and ACT or SAT scores with them. If the student meets the requirements, they will be awarded an academic scholarship on the spot. Come and join USU in your area and discover Utah State!

Alumni Legacy Scholarships are in place to assist children and grandchildren of alumni who wish to attend Utah State University. Aplications for the 2012-13 academic year are now available. Deadline to apply is February 1, 2012.

For more information and to apply for this and other scholarships click here.

Did you earn a degree from USU? You can now send your child to Utah State and their out-of-state tuition differential will be waived. Stay connected through the next generation of Aggies. We'd love to have them here!

* Be admitted to Utah State University.
* Have at least one parent who earned an associate degree or higher from Utah State University (verification required).
* Enroll at USU as a first-time student.

Time spent in Utah on the Alumni Legacy Nonresident Waiver cannot be counted towards establishing resident student status. If you would like to discuss other options, please email Tad Sorenson at tad.sorenson@usu.edu.

Sponsored by the Young Alumni Association, Aggie-to-Aggie Luncheons give USU Alumni an opportunity to hear from a guest speaker, socialize over lunch and network with each other. Bring your own lunch and the Young Alumni Association will provide the Aggie Ice Cream.

Come listen to Hunstman School of Business's Eric Shulz as he speaks on the topic of "Meaningful vs. Mindless Marketing."

New photos have been added to the Utah State Flickr Group. Photos from Homecoming weekend from last month have been added in addtion to other events like the Reno tailgate (2008), Texas A&M tailgate (2009), Oaklahoma tailgate (2009), BYU tailgate (2009), San Jose State pregame party (2009), Golden Aggie Reunion (2010), Aging Aggies Reunion (2010), and more.

Show your Aggie pride by sharing your USU related pictures on the Utah State Flickr group!

Flickr is one of the best online photo management and sharing applications available. Show off your favorite photos and videos to the world, securely and privately show content to your friends and family, or blog the photos and videos you take with a cameraphone.

To update your records, simply complete the online form and we will make the necessary changes so you can continue to receive the Utah State University Magazine; invitations to our many alumni events; and information about our other exciting promotions and publications.

Immerse yourself in Capri, with its stunning panoramas. Spend a day in Rome reveling in magnificent monuments from the Colosseum to the splendor of St. Peter's Basilica and Michelangelo's breathtaking frescoes in the Sistine Chapel. Explore the fabled architecture of Renaissance Florence. See the sights and enjoy the views of historic old Marseille and visit the charming fishing port of Cassis. Pre-registration is going on now.

Read all of the recent Class Notes to find out what's going on in the lives of successful Aggie Alumni everywhere!

Alumnus

Notes

Brian Petersen
BS '82

Highlight:

A true Aggie couple, my wife Carol Jean Funk Petersen and I are the parents of seven beautiful daughters and grandparents to three grandchildren. Carol is a third-generation Aggie, and I am a second- generation Aggie. Several of our children have also attended and graduated from USU. We have had a very busy life in Box Elder County, Utah, where we help run a fruit and nut tree research farm and I teach choral music at Bear River High School. I have a busy life as a choral musician as well, having sung for a time with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir (2001-2007). I enjoy composing and arranging music as well, with several choral music pieces published. We continue to enjoy events at USU and in Cache Valley.

David W. Baugh
BA '88

Highlight:

David W. Baugh has been named Audit Partner at Tanner LLC. David has over 15 years of experience in public accounting including 5 years with an international CPA firm. In addition to his public accounting experience, Dave has 6 years hands-on experience serving as the controller and treasurer of private corporations. Dave has served companies in various industries including manufacturing, software development, banking, retail, wholesale distributors, mining, medical products, technology, transportation, public utilities, financial institutions, natural resources, not-for-profit organizations, municipalities, school districts, and employee benefit plans.

Dave graduated Magna Cum Laude from Utah State University with a Masters degree in accounting, an emphasis in accounting information systems, and a minor in business administration. Dave is actively involved in the community and in various organizations. He is a Rotarian, past president of the Northern Utah Chapter of the UACPA, has served on various UACPA committees, is a graduate of the Salt Lake Chamber's Leadership Utah, and is the Board Chair for Youthlinc, a non-profit organization dedicated to creating life-long humanitarians. Dave and his wife Linda have four children and live in Bountiful.

Kathryn A. Leonard
BS '07

Highlight:

Kathryn Leonard has been promoted to Audit and Business Advisory Services Senior for Tanner LLC, Utah's largest locally owned professional audit, tax and consulting services firm. Kathryn has over two years of experience at Tanner and audits small and large private companies, SEC reporting companies, employee benefit plans, and not-for-profit organizations. Kathryn received her Master of Accountancy Degree from Utah State University.

Obituaries

ATHLETICS

Utah State is set to make first appearance in the NCAA Tournament against the Tigers.

LOGAN, Utah - KICKING OFF - For its first NCAA Tournament appearance, the Utah State women's soccer team will make the long trek to Auburn, Ala. to take the third-seeded Auburn Tigers on Saturday, Nov. 12 at 6 p.m. (MT) at the Auburn Soccer Complex.

TOURNAMENT HISTORY - This is the first NCAA appearance for Utah State after winning the WAC Tournament for the first time on Nov. 6. With two wins in the WAC Tournament, Utah State doubled it tournament win total. The Aggies are now 4-6 in the WAC Tournament in five tournaments.

THE OPPONENT - Auburn earned its first-ever Southeastern Conference Tournament title with a 3-2 win over No. 23 Florida on Nov. 6 at the Orange Beach Athletic Complex in Alabama. With the win, Auburn becomes the lowest seed to ever win the title (seventh) and the first program from the SEC's Western Division to win the tournament championship.

Of the 13 games this season currently scheduled to be televised, three will be broadcast nationally on the ESPN family of networks, while the other 10 will be regionally televised throughout the state of Utah on KCSG-TV

LOGAN, Utah - Utah State men's basketball will once again be televised both regionally and nationally during the 2011-12 season as a minimum of 13 games will be broadcast on various networks throughout the year.

Of the 13 games this season currently scheduled to be televised, three will be broadcast nationally on the ESPN family of networks, while the other 10 will be regionally televised throughout the state of Utah on KCSG-TV (Comcast Ch. 116, DirecTV Ch. 44, Dish Network Ch. 37).

Utah State's first televised game of the season will be its season opener at home on Friday, Nov. 11 against in-state rival Brigham Young on KCSG-TV at 7 p.m. Other home games to be shown on KCSG-TV include matchups with Southern Utah (Saturday, Nov. 19), Denver (Wednesday, Nov. 30), Utah Valley (Tuesday, Dec. 6), Seattle (Saturday, Dec. 17), Fresno State (Thursday, Jan. 5), Nevada (Saturday, Jan. 7), San Jose State (Saturday, Jan. 28) and Idaho (Friday, Feb. 24), with all of these games scheduled to start at 7 p.m.

Utah State's road game at Western Athletic Conference rival New Mexico State on Thursday, Jan. 12 will also be televised on KCSG-TV beginning at 7 p.m.

Aggie Men Won Their Sixth WAC Cross Country Championship In Seven Years

LOGAN, Utah - Utah State men's cross country team received one vote and ranks No. 39 in that nation in the latest United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) top-30 coaches poll that was released Tuesday.

USU is the only Western Athletic Conference school receiving votes along with being the second school from the state of Utah to receive votes, with BYU at No. 3. Additionally, the Aggie men are ranked at No. 4 for the Mountain Region for the third-straight week.

"I am honored that those voting think we are good enough to be in the top 30," said Utah State veteran head coach Gregg Gensel. "I am just happy with our teams running one race at a time and getting better each race."

The Aggie men's cross country team won their sixth WAC Cross Country Championship in the last seven years with Gensel being named Coach of the Year and senior captain Brian McKenna was named Athlete of the Year after winning the WAC individual title.

Utah State is 11-15 on the season and 6-6 in WAC play following losses at Utah Valley (3-0) and to Idaho (3-2) at home last weekend. The Aggies are led by senior All-American outside hitter Liz McArthur who is hitting .167 and averaging 3.79 kills, 2.37 digs, 0.40 blocks and 0.18 service aces per set. Junior opposite side hitter Shay Sorensen is hitting .192 and averaging 2.55 kills, 0.83 blocks and 0.78 digs per set, and freshman setter Paige Neves is hitting .236 and averaging 8.97 assists, 2.52 digs, 0.77 blocks and 0.59 kills per set. As a team, Utah State is hitting .167 on the year as compared to a .171 hitting percentage for its opponents.

Nevada is 5-19 on the season and 2-10 in the WAC following a road win at Louisiana Tech (3-0) and a road loss at New Mexico State (3-0) last weekend. The Wolf Pack, who are 2-5 at home this season, are led by junior middle blocker Janelle Batista who is hitting .306 on the season and averaging 2.75 kills and 0.64 blocks per set. As a team, Nevada is hitting .166 on the year as compared to a .255 hitting percentage for its opponents. The Wolf Pack return four starters and 10 letterwinners from last year's team that finished with a 13-17 record and a 7-9 WAC mark to tie for sixth-place. Ruth Lawanson is in her first year as Nevada's head coach.